Sparky savvy

Your Home has some useful advice on picking an electrician for the first time

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THE uncertainty in the housing market and the threat of soaring mortgage rates means that many homeowners are taking the decision to stay put and focus on upgrading their existing property rather than moving home. But when it comes to getting in an electrician to undertake work, many people are having a less than satisfactory experience.

Figures from Government advice service Consumer Direct show that complaints about electrical work in the home rose by 15% in 2007.

Consumer champion the Electrical Safety Council says it’s time for UK householders to get savvy when it comes to getting in a sparky and has produced a guide, in conjunction with The Institution of Engineering and Technology, to help people avoid potential pitfalls when ordering electrical work in their homes.

Phil Buckle, director of charitable affairs at the Electrical Safety Council, say: “Disputes typically arise when there is a disagreement between the customer and the electrician as to the work that has been agreed within the cost quoted. This can be down to a variety of reasons such as the requirements of the job changing midway through the project or even a misunderstanding arising from the technical jargon being used. Unfortunately, many people do not have a written agreement and so there is nothing for either party to refer back to to clarify the situation.

“Sadly, it’s also the case that there is a small minority of rogue tradespeople who cut corners and do not deliver the service they are being paid for. Not only are they ripping people off, but they may be leaving householders with dangerous, substandard electrics in their homes.”

The Electrical Safety Council has the following advice:

More information can be found in the new guide, which also includes essential advice about how to spot the rogues as well as a template quotation request form and a “jargon buster” to help decipher some of the technical terms used by electricians.

To obtain a copy of the guide, visit www.esc.org.uk, or call the Electrical Safety Council advice line 0870 040 0561.